If death occurs at home
There may be a relative, friend, neighbour or minister locally to help
and support.
As soon as possible, inform the doctor that the death has occurred. The
doctor may write out the Medical Certificate of Death when he/she visits
the house, or may request you to attend surgery for this purpose.
When death occurs in hospital or nursing home
When death takes place in hospital the procedure is very similar. Apply
to the hospital for the Medical Certificate of Death and not your family
doctor.
How to Register A Death
The Coroner
Where the death has been reported to the Coroner, who accepts jurisdiction,
the procedure is somewhat different. The coroner and his officers are
working in your interest. No doctor will issue a Medical Certificate of
Death. In most cases the coroner will send the required documentation
direct to the registrar and also inform the family when they can register
the death.
Who can register?
This would generally be:-
- Any relative of the deceased
- A person present at death
- The owner or person in charge of the home or nursing home where the death occurred
- The person arranging the funeral (not the funeral director)
Documents Useful to the Registrar for registration
purposes
Medical Certificate of cause of death
Medical card if available
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Pink Form (form 100) if one has been given to you by the coroner
Information required to Register
- Date and place of birth and death
- Full name of the deceased (including maiden name if appropriate)
- Home address of the deceased
- If ever known by any other names.
- The marital status of the deceased
- The occupation of the deceased
- If a married woman the husband's full name and occupation
Certificates Issued
A Green Certificate for the funeral director (known as the certificate for burial or cremation) - NO CHARGE
Social Security Certificate to be handed in at the D.S.S. Offices with any pension books - NO CHARGE
Copies of the Entry of Death for bank, insurance, solicitors - CHARGES FOR COPIES
Registrars
BRENTWOOD: 1 Seven Arches Road, Brentwood. Essex. Tel: 01277 - 211076
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 12noon / 2.00pm - 4.30pm Mon - Fri (by appointment
only) - Closed Tuesday Afternoons
ROMFORD: Langtons, Billet Lane, Hornchurch. Essex. Tel: 01708 - 433481
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 3.30pm Mon - Fri (by appointment only)
CHELMSFORD: 17 Market Road, Chelmsford Tel: 01245 - 430700
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 12.30pm / 2.00pm - 4.30pm Mon - Fri (by appointment
only)
BASILDON AND BILLERICAY: Burstead Lodge, 143 High Street, Billericay.
Essex.
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 12noon / 2.00pm - 4.30pm Mon - Fri (Tuesday afternoon
by appointment) - Please contact Brentwood Registrar to make an appointment
Arranging the Funeral
After the initial instruction from you, either by telephone or calling
into our offices, our services to you start and extend often way beyond
the day of the funeral.
With the initial contact we will establish preliminary details to enable
us to complete instructions on your behalf as efficiently as possible.
This will include arranging the conveyance of the deceased to our Chapel
of Rest, whether the deceased died at home or in a nursing home or hospital.
Arranging the type of service, Minister, venue for the funeral, funeral
details including transportation, floral tributes, catering, newspapers
and any other instructions required.
In all aspects of the funeral arrangements our staff will point out the
procedures and legal requirements.
The day of the funeral
Should you have any last minute concerns or worries
even on the day of the funeral please do not hesitate to contact us, so
that any matters arising can be discussed and dealt with.
We always aim to be at the pre-arranged address, whether that is a private
address, church, crematorium or cemetery on time. If we are collecting
you from a private address, we ask you to ensure that all passengers for
each limousine are ready at the specified time.
We would like to remind you to ensure that your house is secure when
you leave for the funeral.
Perhaps a neighbor would be available to look after the house and attend
to caterers if necessary.
Any floral tributes can either be sent to Bennetts direct or be collected from the funeral address and placed in the hearse or in the boot of the limousine if the hearse is not required at the house.
At the funeral venue, family or friends may wish to bear the coffin.
Under the guidance of our insurers we would actively dissuade untrained
bearers to carry coffins. However, should a request be made to bear the
coffin then a training session will be required at our premises. We would
like to stress that our bearers are extremely experienced and trained
for their work, therefore a professional team of bearers is preferred.
Costs and Charges
Whilst arranging the funeral, we will advise
on the costs and charges to be incurred, culminating in a written estimate.
When you feel confident with the funeral commitment you have arranged,
we ask you to sign the arrangement form to confirm these details. We will
send you a confirmation copy of all the arrangements together with the
estimate for your perusal. . (This is for your information and is not
the funeral account.)
The funeral account will be sent a few days after the funeral has taken
place. Payment is usually expected within 30 days of the date of the account.
We offer a prompt payment discount of £75.00 if the account is settled
by cash or cheque within 30 days, £25.00 if settled by credit card.
If you have not received the account within one week of the funeral please
do speak to us as they do sometimes get lost in the post and this could
mean the loss of the discount through no fault of your own.
Please let us know as soon as possible if there are difficulties in settling
the account.
The funeral account is the only account payable after death that can be
paid before probate is granted. If there are sufficient funds held within
a bank or building society we can send the account directly to them. Should
the account not be settled within one month of the invoice date, we would
send you a reminder, please keep us informed of your situation, we would
if necessary use our debt collection agency to assist us in gaining our
funds.
We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at 2% per
month or part month thereof.
Chapel of Rest
The last time that you saw a loved one may have
been a very distressing memory, perhaps in hospital or for the purposes
of identification. We would like you to be confident that we will do our
utmost on your behalf, to present your loved one as best we can.
Relatives and friends often wish to visit the deceased and pay their respects
before the day of the funeral. We can arrange viewing at our Chapel of
Rest on request. The person who is making the funeral arrangements will
be given the choice on whether the deceased should be dressed in their
personal clothes or if preferred, in a shroud.
NB. We suggest embalming services are carried out prior to viewing, or
if deemed necessary.
Hearses and Limousines
We have a complete selection of hearses and limousines
available for hire. For more information on this topic please read our
Cars Selection page.
Coffins and Caskets
We have a complete selection of coffins and caskets.
For more information on this topic please read our Coffins
Selection page.
Disbursements
Disbursements are essentially fees that we pay out on behalf of the family.
i.e. Doctor’s fees where appropriate, Church fees, Crematorium/Cemetery
fees, Parochial fee, Floral tributes, Catering and Press Notices etc.
Our written estimate will detail the approximate cost of any disbursements.
However, as we have no direct control over these charges they could be
subject to variations.
NB we may ask for payment in advance in certain circumstances, typically
with repatriation or high costs such as a new grave.
Doctors Fees for Cremation Forms
Cremations cannot proceed until the cause of death is definitely known.
We organise on your behalf the two cremation certificates (forms B &
C to be completed and signed by two different doctors.) These certificates
are necessary by law for all cremations to be able to take place, except
where the coroner is involved.
The charge for these certificates is listed under disbursements on our
estimate and account.
NB. The cremation certificates are not required when the death is referred
to the coroner who accepts jurisdiction for the deceased.
Floral Tributes
The beauty of flowers can express your personal remembrance and bring
comfort to the bereaved Floral tributes from our extensive brochure are
available to order through ourselves to your exact specifications.
Donations to Charity
If donations to charity are requested in lieu of flowers we will accept
them on your behalf and forward them in due course to the preferred charity,
usually six to eight weeks after the funeral has taken place.
We will send the list of donors to you with the total amount received.
We also send a covering letter with the donations to the charity concerned,
who may write to the next of kin to acknowledge receipt of the donation.
Some charities now have access to a gift aid declaration. This type of
donation enables the charity to claim back the tax on your donation.
NB Please inform your relatives and friends to make cheques payable to
the preferred charity, and to write on the back of the cheque in whose
memory the donation is made. We receive so many donations it is easier
for us to administer in this way.
Newspaper Notices
Announcements or acknowledgements can be placed in the newspaper of your
choice.
Printing Requirements
We can arrange the printing of service sheets (order of service), memorial
cards, acknowledgement of thanks cards etc. to your own specifications.
Catering
Home Catering: Catering
quotations are available on request for buffet menus including the use
of china or disposable plates and serviettes. All crockery and tableware
are at no extra cost however serving staff would be an extra charge. Alcoholic
drinks and soft drinks are also available on request.
Mobile Catering
The Caterers in our help list are experienced, and are covered by relevant
certifications required by the local borough council.
Pro Chef - contact through Bennetts Funerals
Bonne Cuisine Stephanie Redman 01277 - 810843
Percy's/Victoria Catering 01277 - 234110 / 07860 - 912145
Outside Catering Venues:
The following are just a few of the venues available:
Kings Chase Bowling Club Kings Chase, Brentwood, Essex 01277 - 217403
The Rose & Crown Ongar Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, Essex. 01277
- 372322
The Eagle & Child, 13 Chelmsford Road, Shenfield, Essex, 01277 210155
Marygreen Manor London Road, Brentwood, Essex. 01277 - 225252
Holiday Inn, Brook Street, Brentwood, Essex, 01277 264264
Stock Brook Manor, Queens Park Avenue, Stock, Nr Billericay, Essex, 01277
650400
Quilters, 66-68 Laindon Road, Billericay, Essex, 01277 632378
Cremated Remains
At the time of making the funeral arrangements, it is not always easy
to realise the emotional comfort that is gained after the funeral, by
having somewhere to visit, a special place that you and your family can
go back to.
It has only recently been acknowledged that simply having a relative’s
cremated remains scattered or buried in a garden of remembrance does not
always assist the healing process. Our local council cemeteries offer
facilities for small graves that can be purchased solely for cremated
remains and can be marked with a small headstone.
Some local churchyards have facilities for marking the area where cremated
remains are buried, but the guidelines are quite strict.
Other local churchyards offer facilities whereby the cremated remains
are buried in an area of the churchyard and a simple plaque is placed
in a walled area in a separate section of the churchyard.
If you so wish, we have facilities to take care of the cremated remains
until such time as a decision can be made as to a final resting place.
We may write to you after a period of time as a gentle reminder. However,
this does not mean that we expect you to make an immediate decision, and
of course, if required we will hold them for you as long as you wish.
If you would like any further information regarding the options or indeed
any other forms of resting place, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Memorials
A memorial is not just a marker erected over a grave to remind us of the
name of the deceased; it is a lasting symbol of remembrance, a tribute
to a life now ended and perhaps a final gift to someone dearly loved.
For centuries now, man has used memorials in many forms to commemorate
and mark the last resting-place of those near and dear to him, the need
for memorials continues today.
We are able to offer a wide range of memorials in varying shapes, sizes,
colours and finishes. Please either visit our memorial showroom or ask
for our brochure. We advise you to take your time to select a memorial,
considering the quality and durability of the memorial. If you do not
find exactly what you have in mind, we will be pleased to discuss with
you, and assist where possible in satisfying your requirements.
We must apply on your behalf to the local authority for a cemetery; or
minister for a churchyard, for permission to erect a memorial or to inscribe
an additional inscription, for which we furnish a detailed drawing of
the memorial for acceptance. There is a fee is payable to them for permission.
At the time of making the arrangements for a funeral, it is not always
necessary to determine your future memorial requirements. In the case
of existing memorials, it will be necessary to remove the headstone prior
to the funeral. Where the funeral has taken place, it can take a considerable
amount of time depending on the condition of the ground, before the grave
will be ready to replace the original headstone or place a new stone on
the grave.
(i.e. usually between 6 - 12 months).
NB when comparing prices; please make sure that the size, style of lettering
and all fees have been included in the quotations.
Help with funeral costs
(The following information should be treated as general guidance.)
If you feel that you may need assistance with payment of funeral arrangements,
please ask us for advice regarding the Social Fund Pack, SF200. We cannot
guarantee that these funds, if awarded, will be for the complete payment
of the funeral expenses.
NB the Social Fund may make a contribution towards the cost of a simple
funeral within the United
Kingdom, any shortfall unfortunately will have to be met by yourselves:
e.g. Ministers Fees.
Typically the costs covered will be for the following: -
*Bringing the body home if the person died away from home but within the
United Kingdom
*The Death Certificate from the registrar
*A standard coffin
*The hearse for the coffin and bearers to the local cemetery or crematorium
*Flowers from the person who is arranging the funeral
*Contribution towards fees for the funeral director
*Local cemetery or crematorium fee
*Doctor’s fees for cremation certificates
Check what amount of money is available from:
The Estate of the person who has died-such as money from bank or building
society accounts.
Any insurance policies, charity’s, lump sum payments made by a pension
scheme, relatives, (either yours or those of the person who has died).
Any savings may be in your name or the name of the deceased.
The Widows Payment does not count as savings.
Department of Social Security - Basildon 01268 - 363000
How to Obtain Probate
Probate Registry - Ground Floor, 8 Arcade Street, Ipswich IP1 1EJ Tel:
01473 - 284260
Opening hours: 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday - Friday
www.courtservice.gov.uk
What is probate?
Probate is the legal process of declaring someone’s will properly
made and processed, it is necessary on estates valuing more than £5000.
To deal with their estate (the money, property and possessions left) by
collecting in all the money, paying any debts and distributing the estate
to those entitled.
The Probate Registry issues the document, which is called A GRANT OF REPRESENTATION.
There are three types of grant.
Probate issued to one or more of the executors named in the will
Letters of Administration (with will) issued when there is a will, but
no executor named or unable to deal with the estate.
Letters of Administration issued when the deceased has not made a will
or it is invalid
Why is a grant necessary?
Organisations holding money in the deceased’s name need to know to
who the money is to be paid. The distribution of the estate is the responsibility
of the person named on the deed.
Is a grant always needed?
A grant is sometimes not needed if the deceased’s money will be released
without the holder seeing a grant, when the amount held is small and there
are no complications.
Should I consult a Solicitor?
In most circumstances, it is advisable for you to consult your solicitor
both to relieve you of any worries and to take control of wills, problems
of intestacy, outstanding debts, grants and letters of administration.
A solicitor could save you a great deal of unnecessary trouble and eventually
save you money.
If known that a will was made, it is important that the contents be ascertained
as soon as possible after death as it may contain instructions regarding
funeral arrangements. A will may be among personal papers, with the bank
or solicitor for safekeeping. If the deceased has consulted a solicitor
in the recent past, it is important that you contact that solicitor without
delay.
How do I get more information?
Affinity Legal Group, a company, based in Brentwood help with
the probate and will advise.
Their freephone telephone number is: 0800 731 3071
or you can visit their website at: www.affinitywills.co.uk
And Finally
At Bennetts, we are here to make sure that every
part of your arrangements goes according to your plans.
We ourselves do not govern the third parties, which we engage on your
behalf, but if for any reason you are not completely happy with the minister,
church, service sheets etc, please inform us of the problem, if at all
possible before the funeral takes place. We can then take the necessary
steps to rectify any of these problems, which may have arisen.
At Bennetts, we like to think that we are not just available to make
the funeral arrangements, We are here if you need us, if only for a chat.
We can also introduce you to bereavement councillors, support groups etc.
Remember you are never alone; help is only a telephone call away.
Practical advice, support and comfort
The British Association of Cancer United Patients (BACUP) provides a Cancer
Information Service that gives information, practical advice and emotional
support to patients, their families and friends, including those bereaved
by the illness.
Monday - Friday, 9am - 7pm - helpline:
020 7696 9003 - for booklets
www.cancerbacup.org.uk
INFORMATION: 08088 001234
COUNSELLING: 0207 696 9000